One of the things I have had to get used to in Ottawa is the ubiquitous squirrel. You see these creatures everywhere. I think nearly every house has a resident squirrel living in a tree somewhere.This photo was taken at Strathcona Park (not far from Wilbrod House, and across the road from LCB), and shows the two different types of squirrels that I often see here. You see them digging in the garden, rummaging in the trash cans, scurrying up trees, crossing the roads in their characteristic "little bounces" (that's my first impression of them anyway)...
It is September now, and I guess that is when they are quite active. They must eat while the nuts and acorns are plentiful (i.e. now) and before winter comes along.
Most of these squirrels are not really afraid of people. When you walk past, they simply sit up and watch you, making sure you are on your way before resuming their activities. The locals tend to simply ignore them, but I find them amusing (sometimes, entertaining), so I would often stop to look at them (and even take pictures of them) on my way to the shopping mall.
I would never attempt to get any closer than about two metres -- I have been told not to try to touch these creatures because some of them could carry rabies.
